From explosive arguments to unexpected departures, the off-screen world of "Grey's Anatomy" has seen its fair share of controversy. Just as the show has captivated audiences with its on-screen drama, the real-life events behind the scenes have been equally gripping.

Isaiah Washington's Homophobic Slur Incident

One of the most infamous incidents involved Isaiah Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke.

Washington was fired from the show after using a homophobic slur during an on-set argument with Patrick Dempsey, referring to co-star T.R. Knight, who was not publicly out at the time. This incident not only led to Washington's dismissal but also brought significant media attention to the show's working environment​​​​.

Katherine Heigl's Public Fallout

Katherine Heigl, known for her role as Izzie Stevens, left the show under a cloud of controversy. Heigl publicly criticized the long working hours and even withdrew her name from Emmy contention, claiming she wasn't given the material to warrant a nomination.

Her relationship with show creator Shonda Rhimes deteriorated, leading to her departure and ongoing tension​​​​.

Patrick Dempsey's Diva Behavior

Patrick Dempsey, beloved as Dr. Derek Shepherd, was another central figure in off-screen drama. Reports described Dempsey as having diva-like behavior, causing significant HR issues on set. His behavior led to clashes with Shonda Rhimes and ultimately his suspension during Season 11.

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